Iraq. In brief. Appeal No. MAAIQ May This report covers the period 01 January 2010 to 28 February 2011.

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1 Iraq Appeal No. MAAIQ May 2011 This report covers the period 01 January 2010 to 28 February In July 2010, IFRC conducted its CBFA TOT for the volunte and staff members of Iraqi Red Cross Society in Suleimany governorate KRG. In brief Programme outcome: The International Federation is working with the Iraqi Red Crescent Society on building the capacity of their staff and volunteers. Many training courses in the areas of disaster management integration, disaster risk reduction, migration, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees have been successfully delivered. A The community based health and first aid (CBHFA) ToT courses for 49 trainees was carried out across the county, as well as 1670 courses in health promotion and First Aid were implemented in 18 governorates. The transitional committee has conducted its elections, meaning the National Society will continue its support to the vulnerable communities that have for many years received a diverse range of services to alleviate their suffering and save lives. Programme(s) summary: The disaster risk reduction principles is assisting the disaster management s staff at the IRC headquarters and branches in disaster response and preparedness. The workshop and forum on refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees held in March is an excellent example of the cooperation between the Swedish Red Cross, the International Federation and the IRCS. More than 37 participants shared opinions on migration issues and return from EU countries. Presentations were given by the UNHCR, IOM and the French Institute of Middle East Studies, as well as the Swedish Red Cross. A meeting between the IFRC and the Swedish Red Cross and IRCS was held on December 2010 in Sulaimaniya to approve the budget of the mentioned program and sign the agreement related, it was

2 agreed during Amman meeting that the execution of the program will commence from 15/12/2010 to 30/6/2011 and the final report will be submitted after 30/6/2011. Extending cooperation with the UN agencies- namely the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), a five day workshop on disaster risk reduction took place in Erbil/ Iraq, with the participation of nearly 60 participants in which six IRCS branches have worked on micro projects and its implementation. In organizational development, first it was agreed that the IRCS will purchase the NAVISION financial software to enhance the finance department and make the society effective and competitive in the field of financial management. But then the IRCS has changed the plan agreed upon to other financial software called Askadanya or any other program. And based on that Through monitoring of the programme on school first aid, the International Federation has found a need for ToT in (CBHFA) to rebuild the pool of well trained volunteers in other health programmes including the first-aid school project. Financial situation: The total (2010) budget is CHF 2,578,610 of which CHF 917,697 (36 % per cent) covered during the reporting period CHF 58,306. Overall expenditure during the reporting period was CHF 589,204 (22 % per cent) of the budget. This low expenditure rate can be explained partly by the low levels of funding- roughly 36% of the budget for each programme area. Click here to go directly to the financial report. No. of people we have reached: Disaster management training: 40 Iraqi Red Crescent Society personnel. Disaster risk reduction training: 6 Iraqi Red Crescent Society branches. Migration and returnees training: 8 Iraqi Red Crescent Society personnel. Organizational development: 10 staff members are to be integrated with the new replaced Financial system- business management software. CBHFA training of trainers: 49 staff members and volunteers across the county. School First Aid: teaching staff and pupils. Our partners: The Iraq country representation works with the Iraqi Red Crescent Society to implement all the planned work. Both the Swedish Red Cross and the Swedish government has been a valued supporter and partner to the operation in Iraq. Other partners are the International Committee of the Red Cross, UNHCR, UNOPS, OCHA and UNICEF. Context In spite of the improvements that Iraq has witnessed, varying levels of violence prevail. Water scarcity and pollution, food, health, education and displacements are but a few of the problems indicating deterioration of basic services. Already many months after the election, a government is still to be formed. The population is eagerly awaiting this new government, hoping for more stability in the future. It is unclear what impact the planned withdrawal of US combat troops from Iraq will have on the security situation in the country, but the situation is not expected to improve, but to possibly further deteriorate. On a more positive note, it is observed that the Iraqi community has developed a sense of awareness, where negative practices are no longer as accepted within communities. In addition, the country has witnessed vast promotion campaigns addressing vital aspects of every day life, supported by numerous humanitarian organizations. Of the many activities, awareness of 2

3 unexploded war remnants and mines, which targeted different ages of the community, physical and psychological child abuse; fostering the orphans, the dangers of drugs and smoking and even the humanitarian laws merit special mention. The promotion activities took many shapes, with seminars conducted and posters and flyers distributed to people in addition to radio programmes broadcast. Positive health activities are widely practiced too. A vaccination campaign, as a counter measure to eradicating polio, ran in the first half of the year. Family surveys were conducted to identify the needs of the average Iraqi families in mitigating transitional diseases, improving personal hygiene, promoting breastfeeding and other health related issues. In general, there are some positive orientations, indicating a transformation is taking place slowly. Progress towards outcomes A planning and cooperation meeting with the disaster management department of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society introduced disaster risk reduction principles to the staff of the society s HQ and the branches. This is a part of the International Federation s effort to participate in the reorganisation of the disaster management department. In addition, the International Federation is working together with the leaders on a disaster management strategy, coaching the process of producing a national disaster management plan and a new structure that will help its delivery. The IFRC disaster management coordinator in Baghdad were following it up, and a report defining the means and modalities of cooperation with the International Federation for 2010 and after will be followed by a plan of action for Outcome(s) and Achievements Four disaster management staff members at the headquarters trained on disaster management in general, and introduced to the principles of disaster risk reduction. A draft disaster management plan at the national level Administrative procedures in communications at Iraqi Red Crescent Society headquarters and branches are elongated. The migration: refugees, IDPs and returnees workshop and forum in March is an excellent example of cooperation between the Swedish Red Cross, the International Federation and the Iraq Red Crescent. Special attention was put on the forum, where more than 37 participants shared opinions on migration issues and return from EU countries. Presentations were made by UNHCR, IOM and the French Institute of Middle East Studies, as well as by the Swedish Red Cross. One of the outcomes was an agreed approach to migration and return issues that addresses the needs of the host communities, while continuing to assist individual cases. The MENA migration platform/forum, in its initial stage of development, is open to all National Societies of the MENA region hosting significant numbers of Iraqi migrants and displaced people. This includes Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Gulf states, Iran and countries of Europe. Participation requires a commitment to dedicate time and resources to the joint activities. The International Federation s MENA and Europe zone offices will also be partners, providing support, coordination and technical assistance. As continuation with the Iraqi returnees program, a meeting was held on 15 December 2010 where an agreement has been reached on the program budget and the draft of the project. 3

4 Outcomes and achievements The meeting between the IFRC, IRCS and the Swedish Red Cross on 15 December in which 10 persons were selected for data collection in Baghdad and three governorates (Dihok, Sulaimaniya, and Erbil). Essential knowledge related to the state of Iraqi migrants and returnees has been provided and the awareness level related to the circumstances controlling their lives raised. Lack of funding is an outstanding constrain in the face of implementing the project. A five-day training on disaster risk reduction and coordination mechanisms was held in Erbil, bringing together participants from Ninewa, Duhok, Diyala, ThiQar, Wasit and Missan governates in a joint effort of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the NGO Coordination Committee for Iraq (NCCI), the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), OCHA, IOM, the Iraqi Red Crescent and the International Federation. Outcomes and achievements Six Iraqi Red Crescent Society branches are well trained in disaster risk reduction. Six Iraqi Red Crescent Society branches have worked on micro projects within the frame of the disaster risk reduction, focusing on the main issues that affect the 6 concerned governorates of Iraq that had participated in the training. Iraqi returnees to understand the program and the services by the program. Health and Care The community based health and first aid (CBHFA) programme identifies local capacity and vulnerabilities. The new curriculum for the school project included health promotion, health education and healthy behaviours in addition to first aid knowledge. To achieve a balance between the new concept of the CBHFA School and the capacity of the Red Crescent volunteers, the International Federation conducted two ToT courses. It had been felt that some branches were lacking well trained volunteers due to weak communication between the National Society and its volunteers. Outcomes and achievements 49 trainers and staff from 18 branches have the knowledge and are qualified in training other volunteers implement 1,670 courses in schools for teachers and students (first aider in each home). Every two trainers will start training their own volunteers as preparation for the community based school first aid programme course in FA and health promotion has been performed in schools that were previously selected in coordination with the 18 governorates, the sub-offices of MoE from 23/11/ /1/2011 within a period of three days per course with total number of 33,400 beneficiaries from both teaching staff and the pupils FA kits with hygiene have been procured and received. 4

5 Challenges Most of the skilled coordinators at the IRCS will leave the society due to legal statute when the government issued a new law that prohibit the employee from having two salaries at the same period, accordingly the society will lose a large number of its well trained coordinators who previously participated in many IFRC workshops. Difficulties in reaching some governorates due to armed conflicts. Organizational Development and Capacity Building The Iraqi Red Crescent Society has been interested in NAVISION, a modern business management software to computerise its finance management, human resources, inventories and fixed assets control. In the first half of the year a provider and a company for technical support based in Beirut have been identified. The finance manager and the audit commission, based on the Iraq representation s guidance, have visited the provider in Lebanon, as well as the Lebanon Red Cross, where NAVISION has already been used. Agreement with the Iraqi Red Crescent Society has been reached to go for this tool. The licence agreement to Microsoft has been paid by the International Federation, while the president of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society has agreed that the society will cover the installation, maintenance, online help services and training fees, of approximately USD 30,000. The International Federation representation covered the costs for participants to attend the training in Beirut in early January This programme will have a staged implementation schedule across 10-month timeframe. All 18 branches are involved. The proposal, outlined more fully in the International Federation support plan for Iraq, is to join efforts and make the same finance management development programme as runs in the Jordanian Red Crescent. Staff would be trained jointly by the provider in Beirut. After all the delepriaction above the Iraqi Red Crescent Society requested another system pacage that is more efficient than the NAVISION system with more capacity to cover all their activities, upon their request to Askadaniya company were approached on December 2010 and the process of opening new tenders and selecting the proper company will be shifted to Outcomes and achievements Total number of direct beneficiaries is 10 as well as three departments (HR, Finance, and Logistic). Lack of funding to im the new system that is more efficient. Working in partnership Cooperation between the International Federation representation and the Iraqi Red Crescent Society focuses on the first aid programme, and a bilateral MOU is to be signed. Regular cooperation meetings are held with departments of Red Crescent Society to enhance working relations and project implementation. In order to achieve better results and higher standards the International Federation representation has been looking into new models of operating while implementing the CBHFA and ToT by widening its scope, enhancing the curricula, upgrading the facilitator s knowledge and preparedness to address and be involved in this programme. The Iraqi Red Crescent Society appreciates and facilitates. Disaster management meetings are already conducted in Baghdad this tendency by actively contributing to the modernisation processed and a number of issues linked to organizational 5

6 development and capacity building of the National Society have been agreed on. The IFRC representation in Iraq has started the official registration of the delegation in order to be more efficient with the IRCS and to gain the donor s trust. Contributing to longer-term impact Throughout the cooperation between the International Federation and Iraqi Red Crescent Society, a high and transparent level of communication has been maintained to sustain dynamic Implementation, while being in line with the International Federation s principles and standards. Reports are shared and exchanged with an orientation on making the best use of the lessons learned for future enhancement of delivering better services for the communities. The CBHFA and ToT have contributed in elevating the staff and volunteers empowerment. Gender balance has been taken into consideration to ensure equity and diversity. An external facilitator from the Lebanese Red Cross has been involved in delivering the CBHFA training with highly satisfactory results towards the expansion of cooperation with other NSs and the participation in the development and the capacity building. Both the International Federation and Iraqi Red Crescent Society s documentation capacity proved to be systematic, well organized and provided a strong base for shared knowledge and expertise. It is important to develop our activities and to draw up programs more related to the local community; hence we need more support and new supporters. Looking ahead The International Federation s staff regularly visits the National Society headquarter in Baghdad as well as the branches in order to monitor the progress of the programmes and present the technical assistance by the close cooperation and communications. The International Federation will continue supporting the Iraqi Red Crescent to develop a better functioning National Society capable of facing and addressing the challenges at the community. All Federation assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) in Disaster Relief and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (Sphere) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. The IFRC s vision is to: Inspire, encourage, facilitate and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies, with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering, and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world. Contact information For further information specifically related to this report, please contact: The IFRC s work is guided by Strategy 2020 which puts forward three strategic aims: 1. Save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disaster and crises. 2. Enable healthy and safe living. 3. Promote social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace. In the Iraq National Society: Name, Dr. Yassin Abbas (President of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society); ; ircs_int_dep@yahoo.com phone; In Jordan and Iraq: Laith Abbas, Acting Federation Representative, Iraq Representation; ; laith.abbas@ifrc.org ; phone; and In MENA zone: Mr. Tenna Mengistu, Senior advisor for Policy, Strategy and Planning, Middle East and North Africa Zone Office, Amman; phone: ; tenna.mengistu@ifrc.org. In MENA zone: Saeb Omari, resource mobilisation, MENA Zone office; phone: ; Fax: ; saeb.omari@ifrc.org. 6